5-year-old Jonathan Martinez killed in Queens hit-and-run
NEW YORK -- A child was killed in a hit-and-run in Queens on Thursday.
It happened around 5:45 p.m. at 100th and McIntosh streets.
CBS2's Thalia Perez spoke to family members who identified the victim as 5-year-old Jonathan Martinez. They say the family lives in Astoria but were headed to a park in East Elmhurst when the tragedy took place.
"I live in Yonkers. My sister called me and she said somebody hit him," cousin Sylvia Jerez said.
Jerez says her family is heartbroken and wants the driver to turn himself in after the accident that cut her cousin's life short.
A neighbor shared Ring video showing a white pickup truck coming down McIntosh Street just before colliding with the boy.
"I feel my heart broken, you know, because it's not easy," neighbor Patricia Suero said.
Sources tell CBS2 the little boy was walking with his parents and an older brother, holding his dad's hand. They say the father pulled him back as he saw the truck turning, but the vehicle struck the boy and dragged him. The driver then took off.
Police say the child was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where he passed away.
Neighbors say they've been concerned about the intersection for awhile.
"It's a little bit dangerous because a lot of people come in fast since there's no stop sign, no bump. They actually sometimes kind of race, also," neighbor Diana Tacuri said.
"Some people, they drive so fast, and another thing. We need a stop sign, and in our community, we need a speed bump," Suero said.
Suero says she and neighbors recently petitioned for a speed bump just several blocks away on 99th and 25th Avenue that has helped to slow down drivers. Now, she says it's time for another one at 100th and McIntosh.
"New York City, they have to do something," Suero said.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are searching for a white Dodge Ram pick-up truck.
